Napoleon III Imperial Guard Cuirassier Helmet And Cuirassier Set, Second Empire

Spendid and rare set for a cuirassier of Napoleon III Impérial Guard.
This set consists of:
1/ A crested helmet model 1854 troupe.
Original and untouched piece that was not modified at the beginning of the Third Republic. Indeed, after the fall of the Second Empire in 1870, many of these helmets continued in service with cuirassier regiments, but their imperial emblems were hammered off and covered with a flaming grenade.

The headband, in yellow copper, is adorned on the front with finely embossed crowned "N" and laurel branches.
The crest, also in yellow copper, is decorated on the front with a medusa head. The sides feature a frieze of laurel leaves and a series of rectangular pattern.

The skull, visor and neck cover are in polished steel.
The rear of the skull features the following regulatory markings:
1/ The manufacturer's markings "DELACHAUSSÉE".
2/ The registration number of the cuirassier who wore this helmet: "106".

Original chinstraps consisting of a series of interlaced yellow copper rings mounted on black leather chinstraps. They are complete with their "rosettes".

Long original black horsehair mane.
Brass plume holder with foliage decoration.
Antique rooster feather plume with scarlet olive (Thrid Republic period).

The interior of the helmet is original, complete and well preserved. It consists of a black leather liner and two leather bands covering the visor and the nape of the neck.

Superb collector's item in outstanding condition. No oxidation or dent. Some wear and tear on the liner and chinstraps.
Height of helmet -- excluding mane and plume: 37.5 cm.

2/ A steel cuirass model 1854 of the Imperial Guard, edged with brass studs.
In very good condition, it consists of a steel breastplate and backplate.
Both bear the same serial number "1131". Manufactured by the Imperial Factory in Klingenthal in 1854. Same size and width (1st T 2nd L).
Brass shoulder straps mounted on leather.
Original shoulder strap leathers.
Belt replaced later.
Giberne and aiguillette hooks removed after 1870.
Height of cuirass: 46.5 cm.
Width of cuirass: 36.5 cm.
The set is sold with a certificate of authenticity.
The Imperial Guard Cuirassier Regiment was formed in 1854 and disbanded after the fall of the Second Empire.
In 1859, it participated in the Italian campaign and fought victoriously at the Battle of Solferino.
During the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, the regiment was part of the Army of the Rhine and fought at the Battle of Rézonville, where it suffered heavy losses during one of the last major cavalry charges. Having retreated to Metz, the Guard Cuirassiers capitulated on October 28th along with the rest of the besieged army.